“You don’t get a chance very often in life to be a pioneer at anything,” noted Stanley’s True Value Hardware President Mark Jaconski, who with his brother Joe was honored as Philadelphia’s first Stormwater Pioneer. “Our father and grandfather pioneered the business.  We’re just doing our part to help the environment,” he explained, as dozens of customers, employees, neighbors, Philadelphia Water Department executives, City Council representatives and community members applauded their efforts.

Stanley’s Hardware was recognized for excellence in stormwater management and the site will be a model for business owners and private developers who want to reduce runoff from their properties. PWD and the Jackonskis unveiled a Stormwater Pioneers plaque for the property and the brothers were presented with a City Council Citation by Josh Cohen of Councilman Curtis Jones’ office. 

The ceremony, covered by both Newsworks and the Roxborough Review of Montgomery Media, also recognized Ruggiero Plante Land Design in Manayunk for designing the stormwater management strategy. It includes a highly-visible rain garden adjacent to the store’s parking lot and two underground infiltration basins. Together, the system manages over 3,000 cubic feet of runoff.

The Jaconski brothers built a new store on the site of their family’s 66-year old business, tripling its size and doubling both the business and the staff. The business goals established for year 10 have been achieved in year two. 

Case in point, according to Jim Evans, owner of nearby Bob’s Diner, the Jaconski brothers are an inspiration to other business owners on Ridge Avenue. “When I saw what they did on their property, I decided to plant vegetation to do my part for the environment and the neighborhood.”

For more information, visit PWD’s Stormwater Pioneers webpage.